PANAJI: Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), on Thursday, issued a show cause notice to Deltin Highstreet Cruises Pvt Ltd for anchoring a casino vessel next to Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary near Chorao island, without obtaining necessary permission.
The casino vessel falls in CRZ IV area, and so permission is mandatory under the CRZ rules.
According to the rules, the water area from the low tide line to twelve nautical miles on the seaward side falls under CRZ IV, and the activities impugning on the sea and tidal influenced water bodies are regulated except for traditional fishing and related activities undertaken by local communities.
A source from the GCZMA said that during the GCZMA meeting held on Wednesday, the authority perused the complaint filed by the activist Kashinath Shetye alleging that the vessel anchored is posing threat to the biodiversity and affecting the bird habitat as well as causing water pollution, but prima facie it appears that it is not a serious violation because the alleged violator has only anchored the vessel without permission from the authority.
“We have issued a show cause notice, asking the alleged violator to file reply within eight days on the reason for not taking permission, and as to why the vessel should not be shifted to other place,” the source added.
The source further said that area from low tide line, that is CRZ IV, falls under the purview of CRZ Rule. There is no restriction on movement of vessels but if a boat or a person releases garbage and sewage then it is a violation of CRZ Rules. When CRZ notification was drafted, the word casino and floatel did not exist as it was not thought that offshore casinos will be operated in the water bodies. Apparently, it is next to bird sanctuary, and thus there is a need to check the buffer zone and the restricted activities within the area.
The offshore casino vessel Deltin Caravela which is anchored next to the sanctuary in Mandovi river near Chorao island has triggered protests by people there.